This month (July 2004) we talk to Dan Seymour.

This month we talk to Dan Seymour. Dan is a Writer/Producer who moved from Washington DC to Fort Lauderdale in 1999.

When were you first attracted to Buddhism?

I've been intrigued by Buddhism ever since a Buddhist friend of mine "planted a seed" about 15 years ago. Initially I purchased some really substantial books on the subject and I quickly became lost. Therefore, even though the philosophy behind Buddhism resonated with me I did not pursue it. I did however begin to meditate on my own which had a powerful impact on my life. Then about six years ago I met another Buddhist through work, and after I explained my earlier experience he shared with me the perfect, very basic book for a beginner. I went back and read those substantial books, and I've known this was for me ever since.

What made you come to this Buddhist Center?

I was anxious to meet local Sangha. Therefore, I searched the Internet for local Dharma centers and visited several including the Fort Lauderdale meditation class with Kadam Nick.

Were you apprehensive about coming? What did you expect?

Of course I was apprehensive because I had absolutely no idea what to expect - but I was very excited at the same time.

What were your first impressions when you arrived?

I was so pleased because everyone was very friendly and I was made to feel so welcome!

What do you like best about coming here?

I spent several years reading everything I could put my hands on and I was anxious to have friends with whom I could discuss concepts - and I had so many questions. I really wanted to find some direction and organization for my spiritual growth. It's been a charge to be around people who share my interest in Buddhism!

How would you explain the benefits of meditation to someone new?

I think I could write a whole paper on the benefits of meditation they are so numerous! In a nutshell, meditation gives your life clarity - and as a result you will find that you naturally become happier, more relaxed, you make decisions more easily, you naturally take better care of yourself - discarding bad habits, your health improves, and you will live longer and feel more fulfilled. Buddhist meditation takes all this one important step further by helping you to incorporate meaningful changes in your approach to life through training the mind.

How has what you have learned here made a difference in your everyday work and home life?

I believe that I am more loving and more compassionate. I find life more joyful and I am more appreciative and more observant of the people around me and their concerns.

What do you feel that Buddhism can offer to the world today?

As a society, I think that our greatest failure has been our inability to live successfully and happily with each other. Buddhism teaches us the value and benefit of loving everyone, and having compassion for all sentient beings. This may sound like a lofty goal but if we start in our own homes and our own communities, we can have a profound effect on the world. Buddhism teaches us to show the rest of the world by example.

What is your favorite Kadampa Buddhist quotation?

"Without inner peace, outer peace is impossible. We all wish for world peace, but world peace will never be achieved unless we first establish peace within our own minds".

Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, Transform Your Life

What is your favorite Dharma movie?

The Matrix really caused me to consider the dream-like nature of our lives and prompted me to question my concepts of reality. It was also just very exciting - just like Dharma!

What is you favorite book by Geshe Kelsang?

Geshe Kelsang Gyatso has been so generous to share his knowledge with the west in so many well-written books. It's hard to pick a favorite. However, Eight Steps to Happiness teaches us how wonderfully accessible Buddhism and Dharma can be. It is a wonderful book for a beginner because it discusses so many useful Buddhist concepts in a format that is so easy to read and comprehend, and incorporate into our lives.

With which historical Kadampa Buddhist practitioner do you most identify, and why?

I often admire the ambitious and hefty task that Atisha took on in bringing Buddhism from India to Tibet in the 11th century AD -- he was a pioneer of sorts. Our beloved Geshe-la is also a pioneer now bringing Buddhism to the West. We can all be pioneers in our own communities by teaching through our actions.

What aspect of the Bodhisattva's way of life most inspires you?

I think it would be wonderful for this world and for my spiritual growth if I could learn to focus on the concerns and needs of others - and less on my own selfish concerns.

What's the first thing you're going to do when you become a Buddha?

See the world as it is!